Composite light-transmitting concrete and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses composite light-transmitting concrete based on a primary and secondary synergistic light-transmitting system, and belongs to the technical field of green building materials. In order to solve the problems that light spots of existing light-transmitting concrete are stiff and poor in uniformity, and aggregate is not environmentally friendly, the invention provides an innovative composite light-transmitting system. The system is composed of regularly arranged optical fiber bundles serving as a main light guide channel and semitransparent glass slag coarse aggregate serving as a secondary light-transmitting medium in a synergetic mode. The glass slag can effectively reduce light scattering and absorption of a concrete matrix among the optical fiber bundles, so that the spill light is reutilized, and the uniformity and the visual softness of a light emitting surface are remarkably improved while high light transmittance is ensured. The invention further provides a preparation method of the material, the forming quality is ensured through a concrete vibrating and compacting process, unification of light transmission performance, structural performance and environmental protection benefits is achieved, and meanwhile resource utilization of solid waste is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of concrete technology, and in particular to a composite translucent concrete and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0003] Translucent concrete is a novel functional material formed by embedding light-guiding elements within concrete. Current technologies primarily rely on embedding optical fibers (such as glass or plastic optical fibers) within concrete to achieve light transmission. Technological improvements have largely focused on optimizing the parameters of the optical fiber itself, such as increasing the fiber diameter, decreasing the fiber spacing, or increasing the fiber volumetric dopant to achieve higher linear transmittance. However, this traditional "optical fiber-concrete" two-phase system has inherent drawbacks: First, the light transmission effect is harsh. The light relies almost entirely on fiber optics for "point-to-point" transmission, resulting in discrete bright spots on the light-emitting surface. The areas between these spots remain dark due to the strong absorption of light by the concrete matrix (especially ordinary coarse stone aggregate that is completely opaque). This strong contrast between light and dark can cause visual discomfort and limit its application in high-quality spaces that require soft, uniform lighting.

[0004] Secondly, the light energy utilization rate is low. Most of the scattered light that hits the side of the optical fiber and the light that directly hits the concrete surface are absorbed or lost through diffuse reflection by the opaque traditional coarse aggregate and cement paste, and cannot effectively contribute to the overall light output brightness, resulting in a waste of light energy.

[0005] Secondly, the material system lacks environmental synergy. Traditional production of stone aggregates consumes natural resources and is not aligned with sustainable development goals for building materials.

[0006] CN116425504A discloses a translucent concrete that uses a transparent resin plate grafted with poly(meth)acrylic acid as a light-guiding component, and is composited with a cement mortar matrix (mainly containing fine sand, cement, polymer emulsion, etc.) in a specific ratio. This technology utilizes polyvalent metal ions (such as...) generated during cement hydration. , The light cross-links with the grafted layer on the resin surface, forming a gel layer at the interface to improve bonding strength and durability. However, this solution still belongs to a two-phase system of "light guide component - opaque matrix". Its cement matrix relies entirely on traditional fillers such as fine sand, without any transparent or semi-transparent coarse aggregate, resulting in the matrix itself being essentially opaque. Therefore, light can only be transmitted within the resin board, and obvious "dark areas" are formed in the mortar areas between the boards, making it impossible to effectively compensate for and homogenize the background light, and difficult to achieve a large-area, continuous, and uniform planar light emission effect. At the same time, this technology does not involve using transparent aggregates such as waste glass to construct a secondary light-transmitting network, which limits the potential for improving the overall light efficiency and fails to reflect the environmental value of solid waste resource utilization.

[0007] Although some studies have attempted to partially replace concrete with other translucent materials (such as resin blocks), these have not fundamentally changed the aforementioned light transmission mode and have shortcomings in terms of structural performance, durability, and cost. Therefore, developing a translucent concrete that can simultaneously achieve high light transmittance, excellent light emission uniformity, good structural performance, and environmental benefits is a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention overcomes the defects of uneven light output, harsh light effect, low light efficiency and insufficient environmental protection in the existing translucent concrete technology, and provides a composite translucent concrete with uniform and soft light transmission effect, high light energy utilization rate, good mechanical properties and green environmental protection characteristics, and its preparation method.

[0009] The core technical concept of this invention is to construct a "primary-secondary synergistic" composite light-transmitting system. This system consists of two synergistic parts: a primary light-guiding channel, composed of multiple regularly arranged optical fiber bundles penetrating the concrete matrix. This channel is responsible for the efficient and directional transmission of incident light, serving as the cornerstone for ensuring high light transmittance. A secondary light-transmitting and homogenizing medium, composed of transparent / semi-transparent glass shavings as coarse aggregate in the concrete. The glass shavings replace traditional opaque stones, and their transparent / semi-transparent properties significantly reduce scattering and absorption losses of light as it propagates through the concrete matrix. It can capture and "guide" scattered light overflowing from the sides of the primary channel (optical fiber bundles), and allow it to diffuse and propagate secondaryly in the "dark areas" between the fibers, thereby effectively enhancing the brightness of the background area.

[0010] The optical fiber bundle and the glass slag are not simply a functional superposition, but rather a qualitative change from "point-like light transmission" to "surface-like uniform light" achieved through the synergistic design of the optical properties of the materials.

[0011] Specifically, a composite translucent concrete includes a concrete matrix and multiple regularly arranged optical fiber bundles running through it; the concrete matrix contains coarse aggregate, and the coarse aggregate is transparent or translucent glass shavings; the optical fiber bundles and the transparent or translucent glass shavings coarse aggregate synergistically constitute a composite translucent system.

[0012] The concrete matrix is ​​prepared by weight of the following components: 100 parts cement, 120-220 parts fine aggregate, 80-280 parts coarse aggregate, 30-45 parts water, 0.5-3 parts water-reducing agent, and 0.1-2 parts reinforcing fiber.

[0013] The optical fiber bundle has a diameter ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 mm and an arrangement spacing of 10 to 20 mm on the concrete cross-section. The optical fiber bundle is made of any one of quartz, glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, or optical-grade transparent multi-component fluorinated resin copolymer.

[0014] The optical fiber bundle accounts for 3%-10% of the volume of the concrete matrix.

[0015] The transparent or translucent glass shavings have a particle size of 5mm-15mm, and are preferably made from colorless or light-colored waste glass. More preferably, they are colorless waste glass shavings with a particle size of 5-10mm.

[0016] The reinforcing fiber is at least one of polypropylene fiber or basalt fiber.

[0017] The water-reducing agent is a polycarboxylate water-reducing agent.

[0018] The fine aggregate is at least one of medium sand and fly ash.

[0019] This invention also discloses a method for preparing the above-mentioned composite translucent concrete, comprising the following steps: S1 prepares the mold by regularly fixing multiple bundles of optical fibers with lengths matching the mold depth in the mold at a preset interval, either vertically or nearly vertically, so that they can penetrate the future casting space. S2 prepares the concrete matrix according to the specified proportions and mixes it thoroughly. S3 pours the concrete mixture into a mold in which the optical fiber bundles have been fixed, using a one-time pouring method; S4 uses a vibratory compaction device to compact the material. During the compaction process, it is important to avoid disturbing or damaging the pre-installed optical fiber bundles. S5 smooths and cures the surface of the cast body, and demolds it after it reaches the predetermined strength.

[0020] The composite translucent concrete provided by this invention can be prefabricated into wall panels, partitions, decorative panels, landscape components, etc. When applied to building exteriors, it can achieve dynamic energy-saving lighting and artistic display; when applied indoors, it can create a unique and comfortable space with light and shadow, and has broad market application prospects.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: High and uniform light transmittance: Regularly arranged, large-diameter optical fiber bundles serve as efficient "light transmission trunk lines," ensuring directional and efficient light transmission. Simultaneously, the semi-transparent properties of the glass slag aggregate are utilized to construct a "secondary light-transmitting network." This network reduces light loss within the concrete matrix, allowing scattered light overflowing from the sides of the optical fiber bundles to more effectively illuminate their surrounding areas. This significantly improves the uniformity and softness of the light-emitting surface, achieving a synergistic effect of main channel light transmission and background light enhancement.

[0022] Reliable mechanical and durability properties: The use of vibratory concrete combined with reinforcing fibers ensures the compactness of the pouring under the dense fiber array and the crack resistance and toughness of the material, thus guaranteeing the basic mechanical properties and long-term durability of the components.

[0023] Significant environmental benefits: It consumes a large amount of waste glass, turning waste into treasure, which aligns with the development direction of green building materials.

[0024] Unique decorative aesthetics: The final product combines the magical light and shadow effects when light is translucent with the unique texture brought by the glass shard aggregate when opaque. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a photograph of the translucent surface of the composite translucent concrete of this invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a 100×100×100mm cube specimen of composite translucent concrete according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a comparison diagram of the light transmission effect between the composite translucent concrete of this invention and traditional translucent concrete. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The parameters and sources of some raw materials in the examples are as follows: Polycarboxylate superplasticizer.

[0029] Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) optical fiber bundle, light transmittance. Example

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the composite translucent concrete of the present invention is a component cast in one piece. The specific preparation method is as follows: S1 Mold and Fiber Fixing: A custom-made mold with an internal size of 100mm cube is used; 6×6 arrays of through holes with a center distance of 15mm are precisely machined on the upper and lower cover plates of the mold; 2.0mm diameter polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) optical fiber bundles are selected, cut into 130mm lengths, and inserted vertically into the corresponding holes one by one, and slight tension is applied at both ends to straighten and fix them, forming a regular fiber array that runs through the mold; The mix proportions for S2 concrete matrix are as follows: 3.85 kg of PO 42.5 cement, 1.65 kg of F-grade fly ash, 1.65 kg of water, 7.80 kg of medium sand, 8.50 kg of colorless waste glass slag with a particle size of 5-10 mm, 0.07 kg of polycarboxylate superplasticizer, and 0.01 kg of bundled monofilament polypropylene fiber with a length of 12 mm; mix the above raw materials evenly. S3 pours the concrete mixture into a mold in which the optical fiber bundles have been fixed, using a one-time pouring method; S4 uses a vibratory compaction device to compact the material. During the compaction process, it is important to avoid disturbing or damaging the pre-installed optical fiber bundles. S5 smooths and cures the surface of the cast body, grinds and polishes the excessively long fiber bundles on the surface, and demolds it after curing for 28 days.

[0031] Comparative Example 1 A traditional translucent concrete is prepared using the following method: S1 Mold and Fiber Fixing: A custom-made mold with an internal size of 100mm cube is used; 6×6 arrays of through holes with a center distance of 15mm are precisely machined on the upper and lower cover plates of the mold; 2.0mm diameter polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) optical fiber bundles are selected, cut into 130mm lengths, and inserted vertically into the corresponding holes one by one, and slight tension is applied at both ends to straighten and fix them, forming a regular fiber array that runs through the mold; The mix proportions for S2 concrete matrix are as follows: 3.85 kg of PO 42.5 cement, 1.65 kg of F-grade fly ash, 1.65 kg of water, 7.80 kg of medium sand, 8.50 kg of natural granite crushed stone with a particle size of 5-10 mm, 0.07 kg of polycarboxylate superplasticizer, and 0.01 kg of bundled monofilament polypropylene fiber with a length of 12 mm; mix the above raw materials evenly. S3 pours the concrete mixture into a mold in which the optical fiber bundles have been fixed, using a one-time pouring method; S4 uses a vibratory compaction device to compact the material. During the compaction process, it is important to avoid disturbing or damaging the pre-installed optical fiber bundles. S5 smooths and cures the surface of the cast body, grinds and polishes the excessively long fiber bundles on the surface, and demolds it after curing for 28 days.

[0032] The difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 is that Example 1 added colorless waste glass slag with a particle size of 5-10 mm, while Comparative Example 1 added natural granite gravel with a particle size of 5-10 mm.

[0033] The light emission effect of the specimens in Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was observed under the same test conditions. The light emission effect of the specimen in Comparative Example 1 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown on the left, the light-emitting surface appears as isolated bright spots against a dark background. The area outside the bright spots is almost opaque, with clear boundaries between light and dark and strong contrast. This phenomenon directly demonstrates that in traditional opaque coarse aggregate translucent concrete, light cannot effectively propagate through the matrix between optical fibers.

[0034] The sample prepared in Example 1, when irradiated by a light source with an intensity of 5000 lux, showed a transmitted illuminance of approximately 500 lux on the other side, with a transmittance of 10%. Compared to the control sample using the same volume percentage but made of natural granite crushed stone (8% transmittance), the transmittance increased by 25%, and the light spot on the illuminated surface was bright and uniform, with no obvious dark areas. Its 28-day compressive strength reached 36 MPa, meeting the usage requirements.

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A composite translucent concrete, characterized in that: It includes a concrete matrix and multiple regularly arranged optical fiber bundles running through it; the concrete matrix contains coarse aggregate, and the coarse aggregate is transparent or translucent glass shavings; the optical fiber bundles and the transparent or translucent glass shavings coarse aggregate together constitute a composite light-transmitting system.

2. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It was prepared using the following method: S1 prepares the mold by regularly fixing multiple bundles of optical fibers with lengths matching the mold depth in the mold at a preset interval, either vertically or nearly vertically, so that they can penetrate the future casting space. S2 prepares the concrete matrix according to the specified proportions and mixes it thoroughly. S3 pours the concrete mixture into a mold in which the optical fiber bundles have been fixed, using a one-time pouring method; S4 uses a vibratory compaction device to compact the material. During the compaction process, it is important to avoid disturbing or damaging the pre-installed optical fiber bundles. S5 smooths and cures the surface of the cast body, and demolds it after it reaches the predetermined strength.

3. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The concrete matrix is ​​prepared by weight of the following components: 100 parts cement, 120-220 parts fine aggregate, 80-280 parts coarse aggregate, 30-45 parts water, 0.5-3 parts water-reducing agent, and 0.1-2 parts reinforcing fiber.

4. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The optical fiber bundle has a diameter range of 1.5-3.0 mm and an arrangement spacing of 10-20 mm on the concrete cross-section.

5. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The optical fiber bundle is made of any one of the following materials: quartz, glass, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and optical-grade transparent multi-component fluorinated resin copolymer.

6. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The optical fiber bundle accounts for 3%-10% of the volume of the concrete matrix.

7. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The transparent or translucent glass shards have a particle size of 5mm-15mm and are made from colorless or light-colored waste glass.

8. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reinforcing fiber is at least one of polypropylene fiber or basalt fiber.

9. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The water-reducing agent is a polycarboxylate water-reducing agent.

10. The composite translucent concrete as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fine aggregate is at least one of medium sand and fly ash.

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